Dictionary

man•tle

—n.1. a loose, sleeveless cloak or cape.
2. something that covers, envelops, or conceals: the mantle of darkness.3. Geol.the portion of the earth, about 1800 mi. (2900 km) thick, between the crust and the core. Cf. core1 (def. 10), crust (def. 6).
4. Zool.a single or paired outgrowth of the body wall that lines the inner surface of the valves of the shell in mollusks and brachiopods.
5. a chemically prepared, incombustible network hood for a gas jet, kerosene wick, etc., that, when the jet or wick is lighted, becomes incandescent and gives off a brilliant light.
6. Ornith.the back, scapular, and inner wing plumage, esp. when of the same color and distinct from other plumage.
7. mantel.
8. Metall.a continuous beam set on a ring of columns and supporting the upper brickwork of a blast furnace in such a way that the brickwork of the hearth and bosh may be readily replaced.

—v.t.to cover with or as if with a mantle; envelop; conceal.

—v.i.1. to spread or cover a surface, as a blush over the face.
2. to flush; blush.
3. (of a hawk) to spread out one wing and then the other over the corresponding outstretched leg.
4. to be or become covered with a coating, as a liquid; foam: The champagne mantled in the glass.